Cheika and Beale keen on Ashley-Cooper to play at next World Cup

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika and playmaker Kurtley Beale are thrilled about the prospect of Adam Ashley-Cooper returning to Australian shores to push for selection at a fourth Rugby World Cup but say there won’t be any special treatment for the 34-year-old veteran of 116 Tests.

Ashley-Cooper’s management has been in talks with the NSW Waratahs about a return to Super Rugby from the Japanese Top League, where he is currently playing his football.

There have also been discussions with the Western Force but it is understood the Waratahs are in the box seat to secure Ashley-Cooper’s signature.

Waratahs general manager of rugby, Tim Rapp, said: “We are keen to get Adam home as he is a tremendous player and one who has made a massive contribution to the NSW Waratahs in the past. However, we understand that he is weighing up all options.”

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Cheika and Ashley-Cooper won a Super Rugby title with the Waratahs in 2014 and have an excellent relationship, which is why it is no surprise the Wallabies boss wants him back.

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“He spoke to me about the idea of coming back and I didn’t have to say anything because he took the words out my mouth,” Cheika said. “He said: ‘I’m not looking for any favours or entrees or anything. I want to come back through Super Rugby, prove myself that I’m good enough to take the spot’.

“If he plays good enough in Super Rugby, he’ll get an opportunity I imagine like any other player.”

Since debuting in 2005 against South Africa in Perth, Ashley-Cooper has chalked up 116 Tests for the Wallabies. His last match in a gold jersey was against New Zealand in Wellington two years ago and contrary to popular belief, he never officially retired from Test rugby.

By the time next year’s World Cup kicks off, Ashley-Cooper will be 35 and there will inevitably be questions as to whether he might be past his best.

Cheika said that while there won’t be any special treatment, the dream of playing at a fourth World Cup might bring out the best in the utility back.

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“There’s no accords, no guarantees and he doesn’t want it that way,” Cheika said. “If he comes back he’ll want to earn it himself and that’s the quality of the man, that’s what Ashley-Cooper is about.

“I liked him as a player a lot. He’s done a lot for me. If he makes a decision … it’s funny what players can do when they set themselves a serious goal and they go after it.”

Speaking ahead of Australia’s Test against Argentina this Saturday on the Gold Coast, Beale said news of Ashley-Cooper's intent to play Super Rugby was great for the code.

“He wouldn’t be coming back for the sake of it,” Beale said. “He certainly wants to come back and prove a point and achieve a lot more for himself in the game. I think it’ll be a great addition.”

Where Ashley-Cooper would fit into the Wallabies’ plans for a World Cup is perhaps the most interesting piece to the puzzle. Versatility could prove to be his trump card.

However, Beale said a new crop of Australian players, many of whom will be pushing for selection at their first World Cup, would create healthy competition.

“Obviously he’s got to prove himself to come back,” Beale said. “There’s a lot of quality, young guys putting their hands up and making a stand. No doubt he understands that and it’ll be awesome to have a quality player like AAC back.”